Blood Wood Box

I like unusual wood. When my friend Boxguy and I go out looking for woods to create our boxes, we bypass the perfect grains and ordinary boards. Instead, we look for unique features. It might be a bit of gall, a neat looking knot, worm holes, or any distinguishing features. Kind of like the mole on Cindy Crawford, or Dolly Partons… hair.

It is fun to find a wood that I know will cause people to look twice. This particular box has great streaks of red colors throughout. I generally don’t use stains on my boxes (but soon I might post a new creation that I did stain). All of these colors are natural. It has been finished by lots of sanding through grits of 80, 120, 240, 320, 400, and 600. Then cleaned with compressed air and rubbed down with alcohol. After that, one or two coats of MinWax tung oil, and two to four coats of Min Wax wipe on poly. 0000 steel wool between coats makes a nice, smooth box.

I titled this “Blood Wood Box”, but actually most of the box is made of Box Elder. There is a furniture grade plywood bottom, and splines of Afromosia. I like to use the same type of wood for the tray when I have enough, which I did here.

This box is a head turner. Like I said, we like to select woods that attract attention. We are kind of vain that way. :-) The top is odd too, with bark edged holes, that almost go all the way through. They create a quite unusual look. You sure wouldn’t want cabinets made with it, and the irregularities don’t allow for many practical uses like tables or furniture. For my box though, it’s perfect.

You definitely captured the audience with this piece of box elder. The box looks flawless and really shows off well. This wood has a lot of character in more ways than one and you seem to have it all showing. Well done.I just had a box elder cut down and in the process of cutting it into lumber and turning blanks. Hope to make something as nice as this with it.

-- Dave, Downers Grove, Il. -------- When you run out of ideas, start building your dreams.

Thanks Dave, Dave, Dean, Dan & Randy! I enjoy making these boxes, and honestly… I get attached to them. I don’t sell too many, and I don’t try all that hard. My home is decorated with boxes. Almost to the ridiculous level. But I really do like them.

I need to find an outlet to sell some. Sandpaper, lumber, hinges, chains, hooks, glue and more get expensive. I have an understanding wife who likes them as much as I do. I’m lucky there! I give them away for wedding and graduation gifts.

I need to get off my butt and find an outlet for them. I have some at a few local stores, but sales are rare. Any ideas as to where to find qualified buyers?

Jerry, I am glad I got to see this box in progress. It is really beautiful. I like everything about it. The wood is spectacular and you have done a super job of pairing the two kinds. The arched bottom makes it look light and wistful. The tray is marvelous and adds to the usefulness of the piece. I love the way that beautiful grain wraps around the rounded corners. Really nice work here.

Your photography and writing are always first rate and this is a top flight posting that deserves to be a “Top Three.” Congratulations.